As one of the UK’s major economic cities with attractions aplenty, the cultural hub of Manchester is a much sought after area. Still, living in the city centre isn’t suitable for everyone.
Financial restrictions, family preferences, or personal choices can all mean living outside of Manchester is a more attractive choice. There are many places to live within around half an hour of Manchester. For anyone looking to live close by, here are the best commuter towns around Manchester.
Ashton-under-Lyne
A historical market town close to the foothills of the Pennines, Ashton-under-Lyne is home to over 45,000 locals. Plenty is going on to ensure you only have to head into the big city when you need to, yet there is a tranquillity to make it an easy decision for any commuter.
A semi-detached property can cost close to £150,000 making it an attractive prospect for families and professionals alike. A train to Manchester Victoria takes less than 15 minutes and the drive will clock around 30 on a normal day. Move for the proximity to the city centre, stay for the major retail outlets, good schools, picturesque countryside, and cultural diversity.
Bolton
With a wide variety of amenities and good transport links, Bolton is an affordable area close to Manchester. Crime is relatively low in affluent areas and there is a good range of retirement properties for those looking to make their money go further later in life.
There are plenty of good and outstanding schools and the Lostock area, in particular, is popular for its convenience and location. It sits close to the major motorways in the area including the M61 and M60 – alternatively, the train takes around 25 minutes to get to Manchester Piccadilly.
The average price of terraced properties in Bolton is another pull, costing £138,546 with semi-detached houses commanding £190,484 on average.
Bury
Named the happiest place to live in Greater Manchester, Bury rightly takes its place on our list as one of the best commuter towns for Manchester. Close to the River Irwell, Bury is within reaching distance of stunning scenery and Manchester city centre.
Popular with families and commuters, getting to Manchester city centre takes around 25 minutes on a good day.
Egerton
A sleepy village ideally located between Bolton, Manchester and Bury, it is popular for families due to its excellent schools and is a short drive to Manchester. The train station is within walking distance of the town centre making it easy to get to and from work.
With stone built properties in abundance, there are plenty of eye-catching homes to be found, and average house prices of £227,580.
Macclesfield
Locals will tell you Maccelsfied has a bit of everything, with countryside, canals, rivers and woodland on your doorstep. As is Manchester – reachable in 25 minutes via train.
There are terraced houses available for as little as £110,000 making it excellent for first-time buyers, and families looking to get more for their money in a picturesque area.
Middleton
Central Manchester is just 6.5 miles from Middleton, meaning even with a bit of commuting traffic it can be reached in 30 minutes. This is just one of the many selling points of a peaceful town. There are plenty of big businesses offering jobs in the area, and famous landmarks aplenty. A terraced house can cost under £100,00 adding to the appeal.
First-time buyers will find that there are plenty of options and their money will go a lot further than in other surrounding areas.
Prestwich
An attractive family friendly town on the outskirts of the city centre, Prestwich has a true sense of community and great schools. Properties cost a little more than some of the other towns on this list, but the city centre can be reached in a little over 10 minutes, so it makes sense.
It offers the social benefits of being close to the city without some of the downsides. Known as being a safe place to live, Prestwich is one of the most popular areas in the Greater Manchester region for families. Average house prices reflect its excellent location and are around £275,734.
Rochdale
North of Manchester is Rochdale, one of the best commuter towns for Manchester. Manchester Victoria can be reached in just 16 minutes via train and a car journey can take just over 30 minutes on an average day.
A hot spot for anyone who loves living near nature, Rochdale offers an excellent quality of life and affordable housing that makes city wages go further. A definite contender for the best commuter town on the list, it boasts a high spec leisure centre and a wide selection of reputable schools. Expect to pay close to an average house price of £190,000 which is more affordable than the Greater Manchester region as a whole.
Saddleworth
For the rural lifestyle within proximity of the city centre, Saddleworth has a lot to offer. It has been named one of the 8 best places to live in the Northwest of England by the Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
With high-class shops and restaurants, it’s no surprise then that the average house prices are £255,561.
Stalybridge
A favourite for families who want to see their money go a little further, Stalybridge has an average house price of £178,000. This makes it cheaper than the average surrounding area and perfect for finding more space for your money.
Expect to find outstanding schools such as Millbrook Primary and St. Peters Primary among others. No matter what side of the Pennines you find yourself in, Stalybridge delivers for the commuter. Trains regularly run through, taking just 25 minutes to get to central Manchester and 30 to get to Leeds. The M60 is within proximity, and there is even a bus that can get to Picadilly Gardens in around 50 minutes. Expect the drive to take 20 minutes on a good day, but up to an hour when the traffic is not favourable.
Stockport
Just seven miles separate Stockport and the big city means it is one of the best commuter towns for Manchester. It has a population of over 135,000 with many locals taking the 9-minute train journey to Manchester Piccadilly.
Average house prices are close to £200,000 and the town itself is full of entertainment for those who don’t want to have to get to the city for a night out. A scenic town and close to popular Altrincham, anyone new to the area will find that Stockport is ideally located.
Wigan
A train to Manchester Victoria takes just under 30 minutes, meaning Wigan just about makes our list of the best commuter towns for Manchester. Home to around 100,000 people, it has plenty of social activities and local amenities to offer. Sports fans will also be pleased that there are rugby and football teams in the town.
Commuting might take a little longer, but there is plenty to keep young and old happy; this includes average house prices which are £166,270. Terraced properties can be picked up for an average of £117,908, and detached properties for £282,361.
Wilmslow
A place to be seen but also a high-end leafy area for those with a higher budget, Wilmslow is home to the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson so it is no wonder that it is an area full of incredible properties. A town that is popular with young professionals looking for something a little special, it is one of the pricier areas with average house prices costing over £450,000. However, it is possible to purchase a terraced property for close to £280,000 with South Wilmslow being home to some of the most desirable roads.
There is a wide variety of schools from fee paying options to state schools, with Ashdene Primary and Gorsey Bank Primary being two of the most popular. Looking for a reputable secondary school? Wilmslow High school has been rated as outstanding.
For the commuter, Manchester can be reached in just 40 minutes but the train can half this making it even more desirable.
Whitefield
A former mill town, Whitefield is now one of the most desirable places to live in Greater Manchester. There are new bars and restaurants aplenty, and independent businesses spread around this popular town.
Manchester is just 30 minutes away meaning Whitefield might be one of the best commuter towns for getting the best of the quiet life, but still be close to the bustle.
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